Offset design instrument



July 20, 1965 L. H. BROCKLANDER 3,195,233

OFFSET DESIGN INSTRUMENT F/. A 2Q FVG. .Z

I NVEN TOR.

520V eoczL a/vaee,

IIIIHIHIIII I l.. H. BRocKLANDl-:R 3,195,233

OFFSET DESIGN INSTRUMENT I July 2o, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May l0. 1963 INVENTOR. LEEOY 5POC'K A/VEP July 20, 1965 L H. BROCKLANDER 3,195,233

i OFFSET DESIGN INSTRUMENT Filed May 10, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. L '20 Y h2 'Beocxa .4A/@fe 4 TTOEIVE YS 3,195,233 GFFSET DESIGN INSTRUMENT Leroy H. Broeklander, 35 Vaughn Ave., Spotswood, Nd.

Filed May 10, 1963, Ser. No. 279,406 8 Claims. (Cl. 339-1) This invention relates to layout devices, and more particularly to devices for visually predetermining the location of pipe ducts and similar members to be installed from known data without the necessity of making drawings o f the installation, and without the necessity of repeatedly revising such drawings in order to determine the proper locations and angles of the ducts or other objects to be installed.

A main object of .the invention is to provide .a novel and improved layout device especially useful in producing a layout of pipe ducts or similar objects to be installed from known data, the device being relatively simple in construction, being easy to operate, and eliminating the necessity of making layout drawings in order to predetermine the angles and locations of the ducts or similar objects to be installed.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved layout device for providing the necessary information to install ducts or similar objects to be run around or over various obstructions at known locations, the device being relatively compact in size, being sturdy in construction, being easy to manipulate, and being inexpensive to fabricate.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved layout implement adapted to be used in the field by construction workers, such as sheet metal duct installers, pipe itters, or the like, Ito predetermine the angular directions and locations of ducts or pipes to be installed without the necessity of making actual working drawings to determine this information, the device being also useful for draftsmen, engineers, or other personnel engaged in construction to determine angles land offsets in pipe duct installation and similar operations. 'v

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE l is a fragentary plan view of an improved layout implement constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a top view of the implement of FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational view of the layout implement of FIGURES 1 and 2.

Y FIGURE 4 is an enlarged transverse vertical cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 4 4 of FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary enlarged perspective View of the layout implement-shown in FIGURES l, 2 and 3,

FIGURE 6 is a plan view, to a reduced scale, of one of the movable plate members employed in the layout implement of FIGURES 1 to 5.

FIGURE 7 is a plan View, to a reduced scale, of another plate member employed in the layout implement. FIGURE 8 is a plan view, to a reduced scale, of still another plate member employed in the layout implement.

FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatic sketch showing the manner in which the location of a vertical duct and associated piping may be determined, as required to clear a fixed vertical duct, and illustrating a typical method of use of the implement of FIGURES l to 8.

FIGURE l0 is another diagrammatic sketch illustrating the manner in which the implement of FIGURES l to 8 may he employed to determine the location of a vertical duct and piping connectedthereto, for suitably clearing a beam or similar obstacle.

Cil

Referring to the drawings, 11 general-ly designates an improved layout device constructed in accordance with the present invention. The device 11 comprises a substantially square rigid frame 12 comprising the opposing vertical side arms 13 and 14 and the opposing horizontal top and bottom arms 15 and 16, as viewed in FIGURE l.

The frame 12 is integrally formed adjacent the top and Vbottom arms 15 and 16 and extending ltherealong with the respective L-shaped flange or track members' 17 and 18,

said members consisting of ribs having oppositely directed flanges, namely, the member 17 consisting of a rib having an upwardly directed flange and the member 18 consisting of a rib having a downwardly directed flange, as viewed in FIGURE 5. The members 17 and 18 extend parallel to each other. Designated at 19 is a rectangular frame formed with top and bottom L-shaped grooves 20 and 21 slidably receiving the Lshaped track members 17 and 18, so that the frame 19 is movable transversely between the vertical side members 13 Iand 14 of the main frame 12, namely, in a direction parallel to the top and bottom arms 15 and 16, The slidable frame 19 includes the respective parallel side arms 2@ and 21, said side arms being formed on their inwardly facing opposing surfaces with vertical grooves 22 in which are slidably engaged the respective reduced side edge portions 23 and 24 of a rectangular plate member Z5, preferably of clear transparent material, such aa transparent plastic material, or the like.

Designated at 26 is an elongated pointer arm, preferably of transparent plastic material, having a circular end portion 27 which is rotatably secured at 28 to the center portion of the plate member 25, the upper edge 29 of the arm 26, as viewed in FIGURES 1 and 5, being radially directed relative to the pivotal axis dened by the pivotal connection 23. The plate member 25 is inscribed with a graduated angle scale 30 extending around theI periphery of the circular portion 27 of arm 26. As shown in FIG- URE 5, the angle scale 30 comprises graduated angle markings from Zero to degrees in four quadrants around the circular member 27. The angle markings are located outwardly adjacent the peripheral edge of member 27 enabling the angular position of the pointer edge 29 to be easily read.

The vertical arms 13 and 14 of the main frame 12 are formed with the respective pairs of slots 31 and 32 in which are received the respective transparent plate members 33 and 34, the top and bottom arms 15 and 16 of the main frame being suitably longitudinally grooved 'to receive the top and bottom edges of the plate members 33 and 34, whereby the plate members are slidable in a transverse direction in the main frame 12, namely, in a direction parallel to the top and bottom arms 15 and 16. The plate members 33 and 3d are of rectangular shape and are substantially longer `than the square frame 12, so that portions of the members 33 and 34 always project laternally from the frame 12 to facilitate' the manual'adjustment of said plate members.

The top and bottom arms 15 and 16 of the main frame 12 are similarly formed with respective pairs of slots 35 the arms 13 and 14 being suitably grooved to receive theside edges of the plate members 37 and 38 and to cooperate with the pairs of slots 35 and 36 to guide the plate members for vertical adjustment, as viewed in FIGURES l and 5. As shown in FIGURE 4, the plate members 37 and 3S alternate with the plate members 33 and` 34, the plate member 33 being rearmost, the plate member 37 being located between the plate members 33 and 34, and the plate member 3S being foremost. The plate members 37 and 33 are substantial-ly identical in size and shape with the plate members 33 and 3d, although normally positioned transverse to plate members 33 and 34, for example, as

The inner marginal portions ofV the respective arms i3 n and 14 of main frame l2 are calibrated with distance scale markings 39, and the inner marginal portions of` the top land bottom arms 15 and l are similarly calibrated with distance scale markings 46, the markings 33 and du constitutingrefererence coordinate scales which are arranged to represent corresponding distances, the calibrations ben. ing to a suitable scale, for example, to the scale of threequarters of an inch being equivalent to one foot, or any other suitable scale.

The plate member 33 is inscribed with a series of rows of symbols of graduated size representing the cross sections of vertical obstructions, for example, circular ducts or columns` or `rectangular verticalY columns or beams. Thus, a number of spaced. rows of circular symbols el are provided on plate member 33, the symbols being graduated in size along the rows and being to the same scale as the calibrations 39 and 46B, Also inscribed on the plate member 33 are rows ofright angle symbols 42 which may .be` also graduated in size. The various rows of symbols on the plate member 33 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and extending in Yinclined directions, as shown. As shown in FIGURE 7, the sizes of the symbols inscribed on the plate member 33 vary over a relatively wide range, and correspond substantiallyv to standard sizes of conduits which may be found in existing structures. Thus, if the coordinates are of anvexisting duct or-other obstruction in a given rectangular area are-known, the plate member 33 may be moved in the main frame 12 to a position such that a symbol thereon representing the same sized obstruction jas the existing one may be placed at alocation in the trame corresponding to the actual location of the` existing obstruction. Thus, the member 33 may be moved laterally in the frame until the symbol representing the existing Yconduit or other obstruction will 'be located in the frame at a position corresponding tothe actual coordinate position of the obstruction in the area under consideration.Y

The plate members 34 and 38 are provided with similar symbols, comprising groupsv of concentric arcs Elli graduated in radius, the arcs of the respective groups subiending predetermined elbow angles, as shown in FIGURE 1. Thus, the groups of arcs e4 subtend anglesY corresponding to standard elbow sizes, such as 30, 60, 45, or the,

like, and the concentric arcs are graduated at intervals corresponding to 2 inch intervals, to the same scale as the `calibrations 39 and 40. Theplate members 34 and 38 may be also inscribed with spaced symbolszor" right angle shape, shown'at 45,'

and representing vertical obstructions or beams.

The groups of concentric arcs, representing standard elbowy angles, are arranged. in various dierent orientations corresponding with those which might be encountered in practice.

The plate Vmember 37 is provided with longitudinally extending rows of circular symbols 47, graduated in size, and representing standard sizes of vertical ducts or `conduits. The rows of symbols 47 are arranged on parallel longitudinal axes and a plurality of such rows are provided, spacedy frrom'eachv other by similar vertical intervals.

In the arrangement shown in FIGURES, the rectanguv lar plate members 33 yand 34 are arranged for horizontal adjustment in thek direction of their lengths frame l2, whereas the rectangularV plate members 37 and 3S are arranged for vertical adjustment in the direction of their lengths in said frame. However, the plate members may be interchanged, as required by a particular situation.

FIGURE 9 diagrammatically illustrates-how the device may be employed tor locate and determine the angui Y lar size of an elbow Srequired to clear a vertical duct or conduit 51 whose location lis known Yand to connect a line52 extending from theelbow Si) to a vertical duct 53 to be installed.V lIn using the device, the plate member 33 is first positioned so that a circular symbol 41 correspending ,to the size .of the existing vertical duct 51 is located in the frame by meansof the coordinate calibrations 39 and 40 `at the position having the same coordinates as Vthe duct 51 in the area being considered. Thus, the symbol 41 is selected from one of the rows appearing on plate member 33 such. that theV circular symbol of proper size, corresponding to the size of the existing duct 5l, is substantially at the` same coordinate point along the scale 39 as is the duct 51 in the rectangular area being considered. This 'area is established Vby selecting a ixed reference point in the actual area Vcontaining the existingV duct 51,' which'corresponds` tov the zero intersection point of scales 39 and 40. Since the sizes of the duct symbols 4l on the plate member 33'vary in a longitudinaldirection V,as well as along the, direction of the rows of duct symbols, as will be apparent from FGURE 7, it is possible to make a selection visually of a proper sized symbol 4l at the proper coordinate location on plate member 33 with reference to scale 39.V The plate member 33 is then moved laterally, namely, parallel to the arms 15 and 1d to bring the visually selected symbol to a position along scale 4t) .corresponding to the actual horizontal coordinate position or" the existing duct S1 in the area under consideration. YVThis locates the visually selected duct 41 in the frame l2 so that it is at a position corresponding to its actual position in the area u nderV consideration. Y i

The next step is to adjust the plate Vmember 37 to a position to place `a visually selected circular symbol 47 thereon corresponding to thel size of the intended duct 53 at a position corresponding to the intended position of the duct 53 in the arearunder consideration.

The next step isV to adjust the plate member 34 (or 3 8) to a position wherein a selected concentric group of 'arcs 44is concentricfwith the symbol representing the circular cross section 51, namely, the selected symbol All on plate member 33, the arcs being of suitable angular size so as to be tangent with the edge 29 of the pointer arm 26 whensthe pointer arm is set tothe position shown in FIGURE 9. In the installationrepresented by EIG- URE 9, it is intended that the lineto .be run be connected l substantially radially to the supplylduct 53, so that the pointer arm 26' will be correspondingly positioned. HOW- ever, suitable clearance mustYbe provided to pass the obstruction 51, andv it is therefore necessary to Adetermine the angle andV size of the elbowSt) to be installed. This is done byfindingthe arc from one of Vtheggroups 44 which will have suicient radius to provide the necessary clearance and will also terminate substantially tangential to the pointeredge 29iwhen-the pointer is arranged so that its edge 29 passes-through the center of the symbol representing the supply conduit 53. The selection of the arc is `governed by the diameter of the line to be run, since in' order to provide the necessary clearance around the obstruction 51`,`:this must be considered. The radius of the conduit to be run is therefore ladded to the radius s of the obstruction S1 to establish the minimum elbow arc which can Vbe employed. Having determined` the minimum arc radius, anvarc of this radius from one of the groups'te isthen placed in a position such that its termination is substantially tangential to the radial pointer edge 29, and when this arc is found, the angular size of the elbow will be determined. The proper arc may be found either from plate member 3d or kplate member 3S, the plate member 34 being adjustable in a horizontal direction, as viewed in FIGURE 5,`and the plate member 3S being vertically adjustable, as viewed in FIGURE 5, either one being employed, depending upon which one is most suitable for nding a proper fit.

At the conclusion of the above steps, the device will give a graphical representation of the required layout, giving the necessary information to select the required elbow an dthe angle lat which the duct 52 is to be run from the intended supply duct 53.

FIGURE illustrates another example of the manner in which the device 11 may be employed to determine the proper elbow 60 to be connected to a duct 61 to pass the vertical beam 63 with proper clearance, the duct 61 being connected in an oifset manner to a supply duct 64. The layout is made following the same procedure as above described, the plate member 33 being employed to locate an angular symbol 42 at a position in the frame 12 corresponding to the actual coordinate position of the beam 63 in the area under consideration. The intended )feeder conduit 64 is then located, employing the plate member 37 and by selecting a circular symbol 47 thereon and placing said symbol at a position corresponding to the desired coordinate position of the feeder duct 64. The plate member 34 (or 38) is then employed in conjunction with the pointer arm 26 to locate a suitable arc from one of the groups 44 which will be tangent to the radial edge 29 of the pointer arm and which will have the proper radius to provide the desired clearance of the obstruction 63. The required radius is first calculated, in the manner above described, knowing the size of the duct 61 to be run and then the proper group 44 is found, namely, one in which the selected arc will be tangent to the edge 29 of pointer 26 when the pointer is set to a position corresponding to the position at which the line 61 will be connected to the duct 64, namely, in the offset position illustrated in FIGURE 10, as an example. When the required arc is found, providing the layout of FIGURE 10, this provides necessary information to show the required angular size of the elbow and its radius.

As in the case of the layout of FIGURE 9, the layout of FIGURE 10 gives a graphical representation from which all the necessary information can be obtained to accomplish the intended installation, without the necessity of making any drawings, and providing assurance that proper clearance will be obtained to enable the line to pass the obstacle 63.

It will be readily apparent that the device may be ernployed to lay out many other different arrangements and to provide the necessary information to determine required angular size and radius of elbows and the direction in which duct lines should be run to clear known obstructions; Other problems may be solved, for example, those which are inverse to the ones illustrated in FIGURES 9 and l0, namely, where the locations of lines and elbows are known and it is desired to place objects in position which will not interfere with such lines or elbows.

As above mentioned, all of the plate members 33, 34, 37 and 38 are preferably made of transparent material, such as transparent plastic material. All the various other parts of the device are also preferably made of transparent plastic material except the main frame 12.

In ordinary use, only three of the plate members will be required, and either the plate member 34 or the plate member 3S may be omitted. However, where there are two obstructions to be cleared, it will be necessary to employ the plate members 34 and 38.

Preferably the circular and right angle symbols and other designs on the plate members should be different in color for the various plate members. The angle scale 361 on the plate member Z5 may be black, whereas the symbols on the respective plate members 33, 314, 37 and 33 are preferably of different distinctive colors.

To facilitate the accurate positioning of the circular symbols relative to the coordinate scales 39 and 4i), said symbols may be provided with diametrically opposed pairs of radial markings 7i?, 7@ and v71, 71, extending respectively parallel to scale 39 and scale 4t). The pointer arm 26 may be employed in conjunction with these markings to locate the centers of the circular symbols relative to the scales 39 and dil.

While a specific embodiment of an improved layout device for use in installing pipes, ducts, or similar objects in structures has been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that various modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that no limitations be placed on the invention except as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is: n

1. A conduit layout device comprising a closed polygonal main frame having longitudinal and transverse end arms disposed substantially at right angles to each other, said arms being provided with linear distance scales, an auxiliary frame transversely disposed over said main frame, means slidably connecting said auxiliary frame to said longitudinal arms, a support member, means slidably connecting said support member to said auxiliary frame for adjustment parallel to said transverse end arms, a pointer arm pivotally connected to said support member and being adapted to overlie a portion of said main frame, a first plate member slidably mounted on said main frame and being inscribed with at least one row of symbols of graduated size representing the cross section of vertical objects, and a transparent second plate member slidably mounted on said main frame parallel to and overlying said first plate member and being inscribed with groups of concentric arcs graduated in radius, the arcs of the respective groups subtending predetermined elbow angles, whereby the first plate member may be positioned to place a symbol thereof at a predetermined coordinate position on said frame, and the second plate member may be positioned with a group of concentric arcs arranged concentrically with the symbol, and whereby the pointer arm may be arranged tangent to an arc of the group.

2. A conduit layout device comprising a closed polygonal main frame having longitudinal and transverse end arms disposed substantially at right angles to each other, said arms being provided with linear distance scales, an auxiliary frame transversely disposed over said main frame, means slidably connecting said auxiliary frame to said longitudinal arms, a support member, means slidably connecting said support member to said auxiliary frame for adjustment parallel to said transverse end arms, a pointer arm pivotally connected to said support member and being adapted to overlie a portion of said main frame, a iirst rectangular plate member inscribed with at least one row of symbols of graduated size representing the cross sections of vertical obstructions, and a transparent second rectangular plate member inscribed with groups of concentric arcs graduated in radius, the arcs of the respective groups subtending predetermined elbow angles, the plate members being of the same width, said main frame being provided on its arms with guideways extending longitudinally and transversely and dimensioned to slidably receive the plate members for either longitudinal or transverse adjustable positioning on the main frame and with the second plate member in overlying relationship to the first plate member, whereby the rst plate member may be positioned to place a symbol thereof at a predetermined coordinate position on said frame, and the second plate member may be positioned with a group of concentric arcs arranged concentrically with the symbol, and whereby the pointer arm may be arranged tangent to an arc of the group.

3. A conduit layout device comprising a closed polygonal main frame having longitudinal and transverse end arms disposed substantially at right angles to each other, said'arms being provided with linear distance scales, an auxiliary frame transversely disposed over said main frame, means slidably connecting said auxiliary frame to said longitudinal arms, a support member, means slidably connecting said support member to said auxiliary frame for adjustment parallel to said transverse end arms, a

.pointer arm pivotally connected to said support member and being adapted to overlie a portion of said main frame,

pointer arm pivotally connected to said aies,

a iirst rectangular plate member inscribed with at least one row of symbols of graduated size representing the kcross sections of vertical obstructions, a transparent second rectangular Vplate member' inscribed with groups of concentric arcs graduated in radius, the arcs of the respective groups subtending predetermined elbow angles, and a transparent third plate member slidably mounted on said trame parallel to the iirst and second plate Vmembers and inscribed with at least one row oi symbols of graduated size representing the horizontal cross sections ofy vertical conduits, the plate members being of the same width, said main frame being provided on its arms with guideways extending longitudinally and transversely and dimensioned to slidably receive the plate members for either longitudinal or transverse adjustable positioning on the main frame and with the second plate member in overlying relationship to the lirst plate member, whereby the irst plate member` may be positioned to place a symbol thereof at a predetermined coordinateV position on said frame, and the second plate member being positioned with a group of concentric arcs arranged concentrically with the symbol, and whereby the pointer arm may be arranged tangent to an arc of the group.

v 4. A conduit layout device comprising a closed polygonal main frame having longitudinal and transverse end arms disposed substantially at right angles to each other,

said arms being provided with linear distance scales, ank

auxiliary frame transversely .disposed over said main trarne, means slidably connecting said auxiliary frame to said longitudinal arms, a support member, means slidably connecting said support member tosaid auxiliary trarne for adjustment parallel to said transverse end arms, a pointer arm pivotally connected to said support member and being adapted to overlie a portion ot said main trame, a transparent first rectangular plate member inscribed with at least one row of symbols of graduated size representing the cross sections of vertical obstructions, a transparent second rectangular plate member inscribed with groups of concentric arcs graduated in radius, the arcs of the respective groups subtending predetermined elbow angles, and a transparent third plate member inscribed with at least one row of symbols of graduated size representing the horizontal cross sections of vertical objects, the plate members being of the same width, said main frame being provided on its arms with guideways extending longitudinally and transversely and dimensioned to slidably receive the plate members for either longitudinal or transversing adjustable positioning on the main frame and in overlying relationship, whereby the iirst plate member may be positioned to place a symbol thereof at a predetermined coordinate position on said `frame, member may be positioned with a group of concentric arcs arranged concentrically with the symbol, and whereby the pointer arm may be arranged tangent to an arc of the group and overlying a selected symbol on said third plate member.

5. A conduit layout device comprising a substantially square main frame having longitudinal and transverse end and the second plate.

fie

arms disposed substantially at right angles to each other,

said arms being provided with linear distance scales, an auxiliary trarne transversely disposed over said main frame, means slidably connecting said auxiliary frame toV said longitudinal arms, a support member, means slidably connecting said support member' to said auxiliary frame for adiustrnent parallel to said transverse end arms, a support member and being adapted to overlie a portion of said main frame, a transparent first rectangular plate member inscribed with at least one row or" symbols of graduated sizerepresenting the cross sections of vertical obstructions,a transparent second rectangular plate mel ber inscribedwith groups of concentric arcs graduated in radius, the arcs of the respective groups subtending pedeterminedrelbow angles,f

and a transparent third plate memberV inscribedwith at least onefrow of symbols of graduated size representingV theihorizontal cross sections of verticalobjects, whereby the tirst plate member may be positioned to place a symbol thereof at a predetermined coordinate position on said frame, and the second plate member may be positioned with a groupv of concentric arcs arranged concentrically with the symbol, and whereby the pointer arrnmay be arrangedtangent to an arc ofthe group andoverlying a selected symbol onlsaid third plate member.'l

o. A conduit layout device comprising a-closed polygonal main trarneV having longitudinal and transverse end arms disposed substantially at right angles to each other, said arms being provided with linear distance scales, an auxiliary frame transversely disposed over said main frame, means slidably connecting said auxiliary frame to said longitudinal arms, a support member, means slidably connecting said support member to said auxiliary trarne for adjustment parallel to said'transverse end Varrns, a pointer arm pivotally connected to said 'support member and being adapted to overlie a portion of said main frame, angle meansuring means on said Vsupport member for Vmeasuring the angular position of'said pointer arm, a first plate member slidably mounted on said main frame and being inscribed with at least one row'of symbols of graduated size representing the cross sections of vertical objects, and a transparent second plate member slidably mounted; 'on'said main frame parallel and overlying to said iirst plate member and being inscribed Vwith groups oi concentricV arcs, graduated in radius, the arcs of the respective Ygroups subtending predetermined elbow angle whereby the first plate member may be positioned to place a symbol thereof at a predetermined coordinate position on said frame, and the second plate member may be positioned with a group of concentric arcs arranged concentrically with the symbol, and whereby the pointerarm may be arranged tangent to an arc of the group.y v

7. A conduit layout device comprising a substantially square mainframe having longitudinal and transverse end arms disposed substantially at right angles to each other, said arms being provided with linear distance scales, an auxiliary frame transversely disposed kover said main rarne,.means slidably connecting said auxiliary frame to saidy longitudinal arms, a support member, means slidably connecting said support member vto said auxiliary frame oradjustment parallel to said transverse end arms, a pointer arm pivotally connected to said support member and being adapted to overlie a portion of said main frame, an angle scale on said support member arranged around the pivotal connection of the pointer arm for measuring the angular position of said pointer arm, a transparent rst rectangular plate member inscribed with at least one row of symbolsy of graduated size-*representing the cross sections of vertical obstructionsa transparent second rectangular platemember inscribed with Vgroups o concentric. arcs graduated in radius, the arcs of the respective groups subtending predetermined elbow angles, and a transparent third plate member inscribed wi h at least one row of symbols graduated in size representing the horizontal cross sections of vertical objects, the plate members being of the same width, said main trarne being provided on its arms withguideways extending longitudinally and ransversely and dimensioned to slidably receive thel plate members` for either longitudinal or transverse adjustable positioning on the main frame and in overlying krelationship, whereby theftirst plate member may be positioned to place a symbol thereon atla predetermined coordinate position'on said frame, and the second-plate member may be positioned with a group of concentric arcs arranged concentrically with the symbol, Vand whereby the pointer arm-may be arranged tangent to an arc ot the group and overlying a selected symbol on said third plate member.

8. A conduit layoutrdevice comprising a closed polygonal main trame havinglongitudinal and transverse end arms disposed substantially lat right angles toV each other, said armsbeing provided with linear'V scales, lan auxiliary frame transversely disposed over said main frame, means slidably connecting `said auxiliary frametosaid longitudinal arms, a support member, means slidably connecting said support member to said auxiliary frame for adjustment parallel to said transverse end arms, a pointer arm pivotally connected to said support member and being adapted to overlie a portion of said main frame, a transparent rst rectangular plate member inscribed with at least one row of symbols of graduated size representing the cross sections of vertical obstructions, a transparent second rectangular plate member inscribed with groups of concentric arcs graduated in radius, the arcs of the respective groups subtending predetermined elbow angles, a transparent third plate member inscribed with at least one row of symbols of graduated size representing the horizontal cross sections of vertical objects, and a transparent fourth plate member inscribed with additional groups of concentric arcs graduated in radius, the arcs of the respective groups subtending predetermined elbow angles, the plate members being of the same width, said main frame being provided on its arms with guideways extending longitudinally and transversely and dimensioned to slidably receive the plate members for either longitudinal or transverse adjustable positioning on the main frame and in overlying relationship, whereby the first plate member may be positioned to place a symbol thereof at a predetermined coordinate position on said frame, and whereby the second or fourth plate member may be positioned with a group of concentric arcs arranged concentrically with the symbol, and whereby the pointer arm may be arranged tangent to an arc of the group and overlying a selected symbol on either said tirst or third plate member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,773,886 8/30 Stanley 33--1 X 2,068,226 7/35 Buck 33-1 X 2,478,981 1/45 Randall 33-1 X 2,494,536 3/47 Atwood 33-1 X 2,834,110 5/58 Malakoff 33--1 ISAAC LISANN, Primary Examiner.

LEONARD FORMAN, Examiner. 

1. A CONDUIT LAYOUT DEVICE COMPRISING A CLOSED POLYGONAL MAIN FRAME HAVING LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSE END ARMS DISPOSED SUBSTANTIALLY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO EACH OTHER, SAID ARMS BEING PROVIDED WITH LINEAR DISTANCE SCALES, AN AUXILIARY FRAME TRANSVERSELY DISPOSED OVER SAID MAIN FRAME, MEANS SLIDABLY CONNECTING SAID AUXILIARY FRAME TO SAID LONGITUDINAL ARMS, A SUPPORT MEMBER, MEANS SLIDABLY CONNECTING SAID SUPPORT MEMBER TOP SAID AUXILIARY FRAME FOR ADJUSTMENT PARALLEL TO SAID TRANSVERSE END ARMS, A POINTER ARM PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID SUPPORT MEMBER AND BEING ADAPTED TO OVERLIE A PORTION OF SAID MAIN FRAME, A FIRST PLATE MEMBER SLIDABLY MOUNTED ON SAID MAIN FRAME AND BEING INSCRIBED WITH AT LEAST ONE ROW OF SYMBOLS OF GRADUATED SIZE REPRESENTING THE CROSS SECTION OF VERTICAL OBJECTS, AND A TRANSPARENT SECOND PLATE MEMBER SLIDABLY MOUNTED ON SAID MAIN FRAME PARALLEL TO AND OVERLYING SAID FIRST PLATE MEMBER AND BEING INSCRIBED WITH GROUPS OF CONCENTRIC ARCS GRADUATED IN RADIUS, THE ARCS OF THE RESPECTIVE GROUPS SUBTENDING PREDETERMINED ELBOW ANGLES, WHEREBY THE FIRST PLATE MEMBER MAY BE POSITIONED TOP PLACE A SYMBOL THEREOF AT A PREDETERMINED COORDINATE POSITION ON SAID FRAME, AND THE SECOND PLATE MEMBER MAY BE POSITIONED WITH A GROUP OF CONCENTRIC ARCS ARRANGED CONCENTRICALLY WITH THE SYMBOL, AND WHEREBY THE POINTER ARM MAY BE ARRANGED TANGENT TO AN ARC OF THE GROUP. 